The pass-rush disparity between the Raiders and the rest of the NFL is breathtaking. Opposing quarterbacks enjoy conditions similar to a game of 7-on-7 when they face Oakland. The result has been a defense that may be remembered for all the wrong reasons at season’s end. Here’s another ghastly stat, courtesy of the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow.

#Raiders allowing 6.76 yards per play, the most since the merger through 8 games. The previous high was 6.59 by Patriots last year but I'm not sure if Oak will make Super Bowl like NE did

The Raiders defense was poor last season as well — former defensive coordinator Ken Norton was fired mid-year. The wheels have come off new OC Paul Guenther’s unit, in part due to the Raiders’ trade of star defensive end Khalil Mack just before the season began.

There was some hope that the Raiders’ rookie class of pass-rushers could at least keep the defense afloat after the Mack trade. Rookies Arden Key and Maurice Hurst have played well, but they’ve also played like rookies.

Guenther has to figure out how to get his guys to play better, however, no matter the circumstance. If the defense ends the season as one of the worst to ever play, Gruden may consider making a major coaching change well before the Raiders make it to Las Vegas in 2020.

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